I worked in public schools for 10 years. “Better” is the last word I use to describe them. I had students ask to go to the restroom during my class because during passing period there were too many students in the restrooms vaping. I was called into the admin office to discuss why I wouldn’t curve a 37 to a 70 for a student who came to class daily but refused to work. On 2 separate occasions, staff received an email at the end of the day saying, “yes a student had a gun, but don’t worry it wasn’t loaded.” I had students in my high school class who could not read. I had students who destroyed my classroom, injured another student and were back in class the next day. I had students with behavior contracts that said if the student stayed in class (not did any work, just attended) for 4 days in a row, their AP would buy them Chick-Fila on Friday. You are sadly mistaken if you think alternatives are not needed.